DENVER- February 28, 2013 – A new study showcases that low-fat diets might not be the best diets for reducing the incidence of major cardiovascular events. A recently published study in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates that those that followed a Mediterranean diet, one rich in olive oil, nuts, beans, fish, fruits and vegetables, lowered their risk of heart attacks, strokes and deaths by 30 percent versus those that followed a low-fat diet. Similar to a Mediterranean diet, the Atkins Diet™ advocates a diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil and avocado, protein, and after two weeks incorporates nuts and berries. As one approaches goal weight, beans and whole grains are introduced. The key difference for the Atkins Diet is that it controls carbohydrate intake as well, which may contribute to even better weight loss and improvement in heart health.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2008) showed that a low-carbohydrate diet like Atkins had a more favorable effect on blood lipid levels than both the Mediterranean diet or a low–fat diet. More recently, a 2013 study showed that low-carb diets are just as effective as Mediterranean diets in improving cardiovascular risk factors in people with diabetes.

“These studies add further confidence that diets high in healthy fats and low in refined carbohydrates can be superior to a low-fat diet,” said Colette Heimowitz, vice president of nutrition and education for Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. “In the past, low-fat diets have been shown to be very hard for patients to maintain, and this was the case in the study from Spain as well, even when the subjects received intense counseling and support on how to do the diet. In fact, participants on the low-fat diet did not lower their fat intake very much, and wound up resorting to the usual modern diet of red meat, sodas and commercial baked goods.”

The Atkins Diet is backed by more than 80 independent, published studies. The diet is a long-term, well-balanced plan that encourages the consumption of protein, good carbs and a balance of healthy fats.

About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. is a leader in the $2.4 billion weight control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and management. The Atkins Diet focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping individuals feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., manufactures and sells a variety of frozen meals, nutrition bars and shakes designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet™. Atkins’ four product lines: Advantage®, Day Break™, Endulge™ and Cuisine™ appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available online at atkins.com and in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit atkins.com.